Assistant Front Office Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Why us?

Iconic architecture, a thriving culinary scene, beautifully landscaped public spaces and an array of museums are just part of what draws visitors to the Windy City. At The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, a luxury hotel set atop Water Tower Place in the historic Gold Coast, guests will have every chance to explore the city, from shopping along Michigan Avenue to viewing famous works at the Art Institute. Yet with our hotel’s spa, rooftop lounge, locally inspired restaurant, indoor lap pool and spacious accommodations overlooking the city, guests may not want to leave the premises.

The Ladies & Gentlemen at our Front Desk are always responsive to the expressed and unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests. They use their expertise to build strong relationships and create Ritz-Carlton guests for life.

Recognized as “the gold standard” of hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton selects only the most passionate and skilled hospitality professionals. As one of our Ladies and Gentlemen, you will reflect the values that make us the world’s finest luxury brand. Here, in a diverse environment where individual aspirations are fulfilled and quality of life is enhanced, you will be inspired to work along side your fellow employees to bring special moments to life for our guests and each other.

Job Overview

The Assistant Front Desk Manager is responsible for the daily operation of the Front Desk and acts as the main contact for guests and other hotel departments. Ensures an efficient guest registration, check out and telephone service. Ensures front desk agents are completed in accordance to established policies and procedures. Assists in the training and hiring of Front Desk Agents, PBX and Concierge. 

Responsibilities

• Ensure guest arrival and departure procedures are accurately followed in a smooth and timely manner.
• Ensures the entire front desk team regularly calculates and/or posts monies, receipts, guest accounts and other forms of credit using accurate, proper cash handling methods and established procedures in order to present the customer with timely and precise hotel charges upon check-out and maintain accurate hotel records.
• Control cash transactions at the front desk and maintain complete responsibility for personal bank as specified by hotel bank agreement policy.
• Assist and make recommendations to the Assistant General Manager in the areas of conducting performance evaluations, discipline and terminations as appropriate.
• Coordinate guest service efforts to include group arrivals and departures, and guest transportation, while maximizing the guest experience through top quality customer service.
• Coordinate activities and foster good relations with our valet and taxi services.
• Provides information and assists staff in recommending area restaurants, theaters, community events, activities, etc., to ensure optimum guest satisfaction.
• Follow-up on any complaints or problems a guest may experience in a timely and professional fashion to ensure a quality guest experience.
• Implement emergency training and procedures to ensure appropriate protection of the hotel’s guests, staff and company assets.
• Ensure all Front Desk Associate duties are completed daily.

Qualifications

Education/Formal Training

High School diploma or equivalent

Experience

Minimum two years previous experience as a front desk supervisor or minimum of four years front office experience in hotel work.

Knowledge/Skills

• Requires working knowledge of guest services and hotel services, policies or operations.
• Must have high school graduate level mathematical aptitude; know standard cash handling procedures and knowledge of computerized cash register systems.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to read written forms of communication and monochrome computer screen.
• Excellent comprehension and literacy required to review correspondence, initiate reports, conduct training, etc.
• 90% of shift is standing, Bending/kneeling - repeated bending and kneeling required while filing,
• Mobility - must be able to reach all areas of hotel to assist clients.
• Occasional standing.
• Occasional carrying and lifting of files and office items up to 25 lbs.

Environment

Work inside 95%Material/Equipment used. Prolonged standing at indoor, thermostatically climate-controlled workstation.

Benefits

Medical

Dental 

Vision

401K 

Sick Time 

Vacation Time

Paid Holidays